Pool skimmer and what do they do ?

Pool skimmers are devices used in swimming pools to help maintain water clarity and cleanliness by removing debris, such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other floating debris, from the surface of the water. Skimmers are an essential part of a pool’s circulation system and play a crucial role in removing debris and contaminants from the surface of a swimming pool. The key components and features commonly found in pool skimmer designs are: skimmer opening, skimmer weir, skimmer lid or cover, water return port, skimmer basket, skimmer pipe, skimmer extension or collar, skimmer door or flap, and an adjustable flow control valve. A pool skimmer works by utilizing the principles of buoyancy and water flow to remove debris and contaminants from the surface of the pool water. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a pool skimmer works:

•  Positioning: Pool skimmers are strategically placed around the perimeter of a swimming pool, often built into the pool wall. They are typically located slightly below the waterline to maximize their effectiveness in capturing surface debris.
•  Water Circulation: The pool skimmer is connected to the pool’s circulation system, which includes a pool pump and a filtration system. The pool pump is responsible for moving water through the skimmer and the rest of the circulation system.
•  Weir Door Operation: The weir door is designed to pivot and move with changes in the water level. When the water level rises due to rainfall or swimmers entering the pool, the weir door adjusts to maintain the optimal skimming level. This is important because it ensures that the skimmer is always at the right height to capture debris from the water’s surface.
•  Debris Capture: As water is drawn into the skimmer box through the weir door, it flows into a collection chamber or basket located inside the skimmer. This chamber is designed to slow down the water flow, allowing larger debris such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other floating contaminants to settle and get trapped. Smaller debris and particles may also be captured in the skimmer basket or net.
•  Preventing Debris Return: The weir door prevents debris from escaping back into the pool. It acts as a barrier, allowing water to enter the skimmer but not permitting debris to float back out.
•  Maintenance: To keep the skimmer working effectively, pool owners should periodically check and clean the skimmer basket or net. Removing the collected debris from the basket ensures that water can continue to flow freely through the skimmer and the filtration system.
•  Filtration and Return: After passing through the skimmer, the water continues to flow through the pool’s plumbing system, going through a pool filter. The filter further removes smaller particles and impurities from the water. Finally, the clean, filtered water is returned to the pool through return jets, maintaining the pool’s circulation and cleanliness.

 Different methods of pool skimming.

There are several methods and tools for pool skimming, each designed to remove debris from the surface of a swimming pool efficiently. Here are some common methods of pool skimming :

•  Manual Skimming: It involves using a handheld pool skimmer net or skimming pole with a net attachment to manually remove debris from the surface of the water. Pool owners or maintenance personnel simply walk around the pool and use the net to scoop up leaves, bugs, and other debris.
•  Automatic Pool Skimmers: They are also known as robotic pool skimmers, which are electronic devices that autonomously move around the pool’s surface to collect debris. Automatic pool skimmers are often battery-powered or rechargeable and can be programmed or remotely controlled. They use sensors to navigate the pool and have a collection chamber to store debris until it needs to be emptied.
•  In-Ground Pool Skimmers: These skimmers are part of the pool’s circulation system and automatically draw in surface water, capturing debris in a strainer basket. They are highly effective and require minimal manual intervention.
•  Above-Ground Pool Skimmers: Above-ground pools can also have dedicated skimmers that attach to the pool’s sidewall. These skimmers are connected to the pool’s pump and filter system and function in the same way as in-ground skimmers.
•  Floating Skimmer Baskets: Floating skimmer baskets are devices that are placed on the water’s surface and are equipped with a pump that circulates water through a filter to capture debris. They move around the pool’s surface, collecting debris as they go. These are often used in smaller pools or to supplement the skimming action of built-in skimmers.
•  Surface Skimming Systems: Some pools may have surface skimming systems that consist of multiple skimmer outlets placed strategically around the pool. These systems work in tandem with the pool’s circulation system to remove debris from various points on the water’s surface.
•  Chemical Skimmers: Some pool owners use chemical skimmers, which are chemicals added to the pool water that cause debris to clump together, making it easier for the pool’s filtration system to capture and remove them. These chemicals are not a standalone method but can complement other skimming methods.
•  Leaf Traps: Leaf traps are devices that are often attached to the pool’s skimmer or pump basket. They are designed to catch larger debris, such as leaves and sticks, before they reach the main filtration system. This can help prevent clogs and reduce the strain on the pool’s pump and filter.